Serbia score twice in stoppage time to stun Albania

Two late goals earned Serbia victory in Elbesan to dent the European Championship qualifying hopes of Group I rivals Albania.

The reverse fixture between the two nations was abandoned last year following a brawl between the players, but there was no repeat as Aleksandar Kolarov and Adem Ljajic scored in the closing stages.

Victory would have sent Albania to France next summer, but now they need to beat Armenia to pip Denmark to second spot.

Serbia, who were deducted three points following the Belgrade scuffle, moved off the bottom of the group courtesy of the win, but any hopes of qualification ended long ago.

Andi Lila and Taulant Xhaka both drew saves out of Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic in the early stages.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic was forced off through injury before Stojkovic was again on hand to keep the hosts at bay as he tipped Sokol Cikalleshi's effort round a post.

Stefan Mitrovic, Luka Milivojevic and Kolarov all missed the target with Serbia's best chances but, having been second-best for much of the contest, they struck at the death.

Manchester City defender Kolarov scored in the first minute of injury-time as he drilled home from inside the area, having been picked out by Ljajic.

With Albania chasing the game they left themselves exposed and it was Inter Milan loanee Ljajic who capitalised as he lobbed Etrit Berisha to round off a counter-attack.